Pittsford Gas & Tire: the tradition continues

By Melissa McCance

One thing people who’ve never lived in small towns usually don’t understand is the tight sense of community and support that exists within them. This applies not only from neighbor to neighbor but also among the business owners and their customers. We come to rely on the extra level of service and personal attention offered by businesses that are owned and run by people we know. Pittsford Gas & Tire has been one of these businesses for decades, and new owners Ian and Amber Coleman plan to uphold the reputation it has enjoyed since its beginning.

Ian’s grandparents, Richard and Dorothy Varner, started the business as Pittsford Oil back in the first half of the 20th century. Chan Barrett, Ian’s uncle, took over from them, working there for 50 years and owning it for 46. Ian had mentioned to him several years ago that he’d be interested in taking over when Chan was ready to retire. “I don’t think he took me seriously back then,” laughs Ian, “but I meant it!” That time came at the end of 2022, and the Colemans assumed ownership of the business in January 2023.

“I wanted to preserve it as a family business,” explains Ian. “We wanted it to continue as locally-owned and part of the community.” Amber seconds his feelings that the good reputation of Pittsford Gas & Tire needed to be preserved, and they are united in their desire to keep it “business as usual.”

“I’ve had people ask if things are going to change, especially if we’d be discontinuing the full service at the gas pumps. We will not be changing that!” says Ian.

That’s right, you read that correctly: full service at the gas pumps, something that has disappeared from gas stations. If the weather’s bad, you can stay in your car and have the tank filled for you. If you or someone you know has mobility issues and getting in and out of the car is difficult, Pittsford Gas & Tire is the place to go to refuel! In addition to gas, they carry a full range of tires and batteries and also do oil changes.

Ian and Amber live in Pittsford and have two children who attend Hudson Area Schools in grades 4 and 6. Besides running the station, Ian works at The Coleman Foundation and has been a member of the Hillsdale County Fair Board for eight years. Amber is a reading intervention teacher for grades 4 and 5 with Coldwater Community Schools.

Pittsford Gas & Tire is located at 4536 S. 1st Street in Pittsford. Business hours are Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can reach them by calling 517-523-2438 or via email at fullsvc@ pittsfordgastire.com. You can also follow on Facebook to keep up with the latest news.